Karen Pittman is an award-winning leader in youth development and has made a career of starting initiatives and organizations that promote positive youth development—including the Forum for Youth Investment. In addition to her work at the Forum, and roles with America’s Promise, National Urban League, Education Reimagined, and countless others, Pittman served in President Bill Clinton’s administration as director of the President’s Crime Prevention Council. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards of directors, including the board for Children’s Funding Project where she served as the inaugural chairperson. Currently Pittman is a partner at KP Catalysts, where she focuses on synthesizing research, policy, and practice resources about where, when, how, and why learning and development happen.

Children’s Funding Project CEO Elizabeth Gaines recently spoke with Pittman about her career and leadership in the field of positive youth development.